(“Misiek”, who faces Neil Wain in the ADFC this weekend)
Przemyslaw “Misiek” Mysiala made his MMA debut back in 2004 and the Polish Berkshire resident has since compiled an impressive 14-5 record, going against some of the best the UK and Europe have to offer. Despite dropping to 0-2 in his native Poland, Mysiala’s relocation to the UK and Ze Marcello’s academy has since seen his skillset flourish and the former Karate champion is now renowned for his fearsome submission game. Citing eight tapout and five (T)KO victories – an astonishing thirteen finishes from fourteen wins – Mysiala sits at the peak of the domestic 205lb circuit. With the likes of Jimi Manuwa, Valentino Petrescu and Tom Blackledge giving chase, it is up to “Misiek” to impress in his next outing against former UFC heavyweight Neil Wain at the Abu Dhabi Fighting Championships in order to keep his spot.
Mysiala is preparing for the open-weight tournament diligently as it promises astounding purses and great exposure. He told FIGHT! “I feel very strong”, a trait he’ll need when faced with his particularly unenviable task; the heavy-handed Yorkshireman Wain.
“This will be my first opportunity to showcase my skills on a big stage,” he noted, before revealing how he is training to deal with the threat. “I’ve been training a lot of takedowns and wrestling with lots of stand up as well. Training has been good and I’ve got lots of big guys to train with for the first time. This is new to me; guys like James Thompson and Mustapha Al Turk.”
Al Turk has fought numerous times for the UFC whilst Thompson was a Pride FC star, also featuring in EliteXC, Dream and Sengoku. Heavyweights of this size and calibre are part of the reason he has been spending his time at the famous London Shootfighters. He is ensuring no stone is unturned and no corners are cut as this tournament could be a springboard to huge things.
“I’m excited to fight on a big show with big names, but I’ve fought internationally before, so this is normal for me,” Mysiala revealed. Although undaunted by the event, is the prospect of taking on “Wainy” something that strikes fear in him? “I think he has heavy hands and a big belly, that’s it. I feel stronger with my stand up at the moment, I don’t need to go to the ground straight away like before, but if it goes to the ground, this is my game.”
He continued by stressing that what he lacks in weight, he will make up for in speed but added, “I’m 95kg right now, but on the day of fight I’ll be 100kg.” 220lbs of skill, heart and determination will be enough to keep Wain on his toes and overcoming adversity is not something Przemyslaw is a stranger to; battling a drug addiction in his earlier years to become a well-respected athlete, fighting internationally and impressing the many thousands that have seen him in action.
Before he jets off to the warm sands of Abu Dhabi to form a part of the all-star cast, he asserted that his focus was fully on the task at hand and performing well. But, with the UK 205lbs scene currently in the limelight, when pressed he also noted, “If I find time between the tournament, I’ll go there and kick his [Jimi Manuwa’s] arse but I’m just concentrating on this tournament and I want to win.”
There are many people vying for the title of the UK’s best light-heavyweight and there are names such as Jeff Monson, Neil Wain and recent addition Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou hoping to claim the ADFC open-weight tournament belt. “Misiek” doesn’t want to give up either of these accolades without a fight so expect more great performances from him as the time for battle draws ever closer.
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